MEXICO

Mexico rings out romance. Easy to love and easy to reach, Mexican resorts offer some of the best honeymoon values anywhere. Opulent beaches, resorts with fabulous facilities and plenty of things to see and do are all bathed in sunshine by day and starlight by night. Love with a Latin flavor surrounds you. This is a country where you can order up a trio to play your favorite songs around the clock or arrange for a serenade under the balcony.

Couples who like to combine sophisticated cities and capitals with sun splashed resorts can spend a few days in Mexico City or Guadalajara before taking off for a dazzling beach. Those who want to reach the beach as soon as possible can fly direct in most cases.


HELPFUL HINTS:

• PRIME TIMES
  
  • Breakfast: 10:00 a.m.
  • Lunch: 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
  • Dinner: 9:00 - 11:00 p.m.
  • Discos: 12:00 - 2:00 a.m.
    
    
• CALLING HOME: Use telephone credit cards or reverse charges. Heavy taxes are levied on phone calls and some hotels charge for placing calls that do not go through.
  
• THE SEASON: If you plan to marry at Christmas or Easter, book hotels 3 - 6 months ahead.
  
• TELEPHONES: To dial Mexico direct, dial 01152+ (country code) + city code.

HERE ARE SOME OF THE MOST ROMANTIC SPOTS THAT MEXICO OFFERS.

MEXICO CITY

One of the world's largest and most exciting capitals, Mexico City beckons lovers who enjoy city life and want to learn what makes Mexico tick. This capital is a composite of everything in the country. Fabulous hotels, romantic restaurants, great shopping, historic spot s and even ancient archaeological sites are within its borders and easy to reach.

• HONEYMOON TRAVEL TIPS:
  
  Average annual temperature: 60 degrees F Rainy Season: May - Oct., but showers are short and usually fall in the late afternoon.
  
  City Code: 5
  
  
• HELPFUL HONEYMOON HINTS:
  
  Taxis: Taxis operate by Zone. Those parked in front of the hotel ("Sitio" cabs) cost more than those flagged in the streets. The good news is that Sitio drivers usually speaks English. Hourly rates for sightseeing or shopping: $10 - $15/hr. with a customary minimum of 2 hours. A 10% tip is expected. For short rides and in cabs flagged in the streets, tips are not necessary, but most Mexicans leave small change. If you are visiting friends, get rudimentary directions and the name of the suburb or 'colonia'.
  
  Watch valuables as you would in any world capital.
  
  
  
• DON'T MISS:
  
  Seeing the ZOCALO, world's second largest square; the Great Aztec Pyramid and Museum nearby; the Cathedral. You can see it all from above at the roof garden of the charming old Hotel Majestic, the perfect place for a late Sunday brunch.
  
  The BALLET FOLKLORICO at Bellas Artes Theatre. It puts Mexican culture on display. Even the Tiffany glass curtain is part of the show. You can enjoy a performance on Sunday morning, then take off for a beach resort!!
  
  The Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon at TEOTIHUACAN, a half or full day excursion.
  
  The trendy POLANCO DISTRICT and RESTAURANT ROW on Insurgentes Sur. Try La Valentina Bar and Restaurant, a popular yuppie hangout on Insurgentes Sur after 6:00 p.m. The bar is fun and the upstairs dining room is romantic.
  
  
  
• ROMANTIC RESTAURANTS:
  
  Be sure to reserve in advance.
  
  SAN ANGEL INN: An old hacienda that is long on colonial charm. Linger over drinks in the flowering patio, then sit in colonial splendor in the dining room of an old ranch house. Leave plenty of time for a stroll in the garden. On a weekend, explore the Saw Angel district and the Bazaar del Sabado after lunch.
  
  LA FONDA DEL REFUGIO: A bit of old Mexico right in the middle of the Zona Rosa, an area choc a block with boutiques and restaurants. Authentic Mexican haute cuisine in a cozy colonial setting.
  
  LA BOTTIGLIA: As Italian as they come. Candlelight, Cianti bottles, close tables, and an intimate feel.
  
  HACIENDA DE LOS MORALES: Another old hacienda and restaurant with the feel of days gone by.
  
  
  
• WHERE TO STAY:
  
  THE FOUR SEASONS: 240 Rooms / $225-$275. Elegant, sophisticated and super romantic. The lobby makes you feel like an international celebrity. Splurge on a junior suite. The downstairs restaurant overlooking a patio is a place where local movers and shakers breakfast and lunch. The Concierge will be happy to arrange just about anything. Ask about the Sunday trip to the floating gardens of Xochimilco. Address: Paseo de la Reforma 500 | Tel: 230-1818 | Fax: 230-1817
  
  HOTEL MARQUIS REFORMA: 116 rooms / $180-$200. A cozy haven in a big city. Very helpful Concierge. Rooms are small; bathrooms are big. Splurge on a suite. Formal upstairs restaurant is a perfect place to linger over dinner. Friendly lobby bar. Address: Paseo de la Reforma 465 | Fax: 211-5561
  
  HOTEL NIKKO: 745 rooms / $230. Sleek skyscraper with steel and glass modern look. Great location in Polanco, the trendiest area for restaurants and boutiques. (Look along Mazaryk St.) near a Modern Art Museum, the world famous Museum of Anthropology and Chapultepec Park. Address: Campos Eliseos 204 | Tel: 280-1111 | Fax: 280-91 | USA: (800) NIKKO-US
  

ACAPULCO

Fun reigns supreme around the clock around the year. Legions of Hollywood stars and international statesmen made this sun splashed resort famous. Few resorts in the world are as beautiful or as outrageous. Unbeatable weather is the trump card. Ranked as one of the world's three most beautiful bays, Acapulco offers every amenity and more with plenty of Mexican flavor. It is one of Mexico's largest cities and as such has an authenticity that other resorts may lack. A typical open market spreads over several city blocks. Fishermen cast their nets in the early dawn, and everything but everything is sun bathed. Every water sport is here, and this resort switches into high gear after dark as few in the world do.

• HONEYMOON TRAVEL TIPS:
  
  Average year round temperature: 82 degrees F.
  
  Distance from the airport: (A beautiful ride that will help you get to know your way around): 14 miles.
  
  Area code: 748.
  
  
  
• HELPFUL HONEYMOON HINTS:
  
  Carry small change. Taxi drivers often don't.
  
  Be careful of the strong sun.
  
  Ride the bus. It's fun.
  
  
  
• DON'T MISS:
  
  A DAZZLING DISCO: Discos like Extravagganza, Fantasy, and others defy any in the world to outdazzle them. Get there after midnight and let yourselves go!
  
  DINNER OVERLOOKING THE BAY: Panoramic views under star filled skies inspire top romance.
  
  THE DIVERS: Let yourselves be amazed with this daring feat that has become an Acapulco trademark at La Quebrada. Divers carry torches at night. Your hotel can find out show times.
  
  The ZOO on Roqueta Island and MAGICO MUNDO MARINO, an aquarium/beach club. Old fashioned Acapulco at its best.
  
  FORT SAN DIEGO MUSEUM: A quick tour of Acapulco's colorful history housed in an old fort.
  
  PIE DE LA CUESTA AND COYUCA LAGOON: Popular Sunday getaways. Make a day of it at one of the restaurants, like Tres Palmas. .Waterski, boatride, lunch, swim in the lagoon, a nature preserve with a primitive feeling. Late in the afternoon, cross the street to the ocean rent a chair or a hammock and watch the exquisite Pacific sunset. Make a date for a pick up with the driver who brings you.
  
  
  
• ROMANTIC RESTAURANTS:
  
  SPICEY: Air conditioned, light modern decor with a picture window view of the bay. International cuisine.
  
  MIRAMAR: Elegant, larger than life view of the Bay. Spacious 'terraced' tables. Everything castle sized. Open air with a spectacular view. Be sure to look it at from the tiny bar too.
  
  CASA NOVA: Opulent, marble spiral staircase makes you feel like a movie star making an entrance. Choose open air or air conditioned dining with a spectacular bay view. Italian cuisine.
  
  MADEIRAS: Open air, pris fixe dinners with panoramic views. Ever popular. Reserve in advance.
  
  VILLA VERA HOTEL & RACQUET CLUB: The open air dining room is ultra romantic at night.
  
  HOTEL ELCANO: Dining under a thatched roof surrounded by palms a few steps from the beach. A hideaway with good Spanish cuisine and tropical ceiling fans.
  
  
  
• WHERE TO STAY
  
  CAMINO REAL ACAPULCO DIAMANTE: 156 rooms / $165. Beautiful architecture on one of the area's prize beaches. Everything is camera ready. A 10 minute taxi ride to the most popular restaurants and discos. Beautiful pool. Posh look and feel. Address: Baja Catita 18, Fracc. Pichilingue | Tel: 661-010 | Fax: 66-1111 | USA: (800) 722-6466
  
  HOTEL ELCANO: 180 rooms / $120-$130. Recently re-done. On the beach, just off the seaside highway. Good value. Intimate feeling. Nice large pool and cozy restaurant. Address: Avenida del Parque y Las Palmas | Tel: 4-1950 | Fax: 4-2230 | USA: (800) 525-4800
  
  VILLA VERA HOTEL & RACQUET CLUB: 90 rooms, 3 houses / $120-$1,300. High on the hill overlooking the Bay, five minutes from everything. A movie star haven with a club like atmosphere. Everyone hangs out around the pool. Weekend lunch times are most popular. The best tennis courts in town. Address: Lomas del Mar 35 | Telephone: 4-0333 | Fax: 4-7479
  
  WESTIN LAS BRISAS: 300 rooms / $150-$255. Every room has a private pool or shares a room with a few other rooms. Jeeps take you up the hill from the lobby and to the beach, a short ride below. One of the most beautiful and exclusive beach clubs in town. Great romantic restaurants overlooking the Bay. Coffee and muffins arrive through a secret door every morning. Flower petals in your pool---and more! Address: PO Box 281, Carretera Escenica s/n | Telephone: 41-580 | Fax: 42269 | USA: (800) 228-3000
  
  BEST BUDGET BET HOTEL MALIBU: 80 rooms / $90. A small condo hotel in a good location on a quiet section of the beach. Large rooms with balconies overlook the bay. Large marble showers, cozy atmosphere. Address: Costera Miguel Aleman 79 PO box 582 Tel: 4-1070 | Fax: 4-0994
  

IXTAPA/ZIHUATANEJO

This is a 'twofer' destination that delivers top value for couples who like to mix old and new. IXTAPA is a collection of glittering modern hotels strung out along Palmar bay which is bordered by flat white sand beaches and gentle waves. ZIHUATANEJO, four miles away, is an old fishing village with lots of charm and a laid back lifestyle. The destination has Acapulco's fine weather without the crowds and delivers some of the best value for your money of any Mexican resort.

• HONEYMOON TRAVEL TIPS:
  
  Average year round temperature: 78 degrees F
  
  Distance from the airport: 13 miles.
  
  City code: 755
  
  
  
• HELPFUL HONEYMOON HINTS:
  
  Ride the bus. Busses link major hotels in Ixtapa's Hotel Zone. Some operate to Zihuatanejo.
  
  Some of the prettiest beaches - Play La Madera and Playa La Ropa - are beyond downtown Zihuatanejo. Taxis will take you there and pick you up at an appointed hour.
  
  Also explore beyond the Ixtapa Hotel Zone to see beaches with dramatic rock formations like Playa Las Cuatas.
  
  
  
• DON'T MISS:
  
  An afternoon on IXTAPA ISLAND. Lunch at rustic El Marlin Restaurant on Varadero Beach.
  
  A day on PLAYA LA ROPA with lunch at Rosi's or Villa del Sol.
  
  Plan your SUNSET in a new romantic spot every day. Make it an event. A few good places--the Westin lobby bar; the seaside promenade in Zihuatanejo, the tiny bar at Puerto Mio hotel in Zihuatanejo, your own hotel balcony, etc..
  
  Lunch or a late breakfast along one of the SEASIDE PROMENADE RESTAURANTS such as La Sirena Gorda.
  
  
  
• ROMANTIC RESTAURANTS:
  
  BOGART'S: Ixtapa. An outrageous Moroccan decor puts you in a Bogart/Bacall mood in a Casa Blanca setting. Indoor fountains, piano music add to the scene.
  
  BECCO FINO: Ixtapa. Indoor/outdoor Mediterranean style cafe overlooking the water. Opt for dining on the canopied deck and you'll be glad you did.
  
  KAI-KAN: Playa La Madera. Tucked away on the corner of La Madera Beach. As romantic as you can get. Dine next to the beach on linen table cloths with sparkling silver and crystal, candlelight and fresh flowers. Waves provide the music. Meals have French flavors.
  
  VILLA DE LA SELVA: Zihuatanejo. A refined camera ready place with a sleek decor and a romantic candlelit ambience. Beautiful views and gardens add to the romance.
  
  VILLA DEL SOL: Zihuatanejo. The dining room has a thatched roof. Soft classical music is background to meals with Mexican and European flavors. Begin with a drink at the rustic bar, then go to the open air dining room that is just a few steps from the beach. Real tropical romance.
  
  
  
• WHERE TO STAY
  
  DORADO PACIFICO: Ixtapa. 285 Rooms / $120. One of the glittering hotels along the Ixtapa Hotel Zone it manages to extend personal service with low key panache. Deluxe, ocean front rooms, a choice of restaurants, and a laid back lifestyle. Address: PO Box 15 Ixtapa | Tel: 3-2505 | Fax: 3-0126 | USA: (800) 876-5278
  
  LA CASA QUE CANTA: Zihuatanejo. 23 Suites / $160-$195. Sensual barefoot place high above Playa La Ropa with European style and flavor. Steps down to the water. Two pools, the dining area, and everything else has an exclusive look and feel. Seven suites have their own pools. Address: Camino Escenico, Playa La Ropa Tel: 4-7030 Fax: 4-7040 | USA: (800) 525-4800
  
  VILLA DEL SOL: Zihuatanejo. 36 suites / $130-$180. Sensual barefoot place on Playa La Ropa that has the atmosphere of a friendly international private club with European style and flavor. Duplex suites near the beach have tropical gauze canopied beds upstairs, sitting rooms and terraces with hammocks downstairs. You feel as if you're on an exotic Pacific island. Pool and beach club are tops. Opt for a duplex beach suite with Jacuzzi. Address: Playa La Ropa, PO Box 84 Tel: 4-2239 Fax: 4-2758 | USA: (800) 223-6610 Click here for more information!
  
  WESTIN BRISAS: Zihuatanejo. 428 rooms / $120-$150. Nestled into a hillside with its own moonshaped bay, Playa Hermosa, this hotel has a large scale architectural style that creates an intimate feeling. Unusual rooms are ultra romantic. Each has a terrace as large as the room where you can share a hammock and wish on stars at night or sunbathe during the day. Junior suites also have Jacuzzis. Shaded gardens link rooms to the pool and tennis courts. An elevator whisks you to the beach. Address: PO Box 97 Tel: 3-2121 Fax: 3-0751 | USA: (800) 228-3000

MANZANILLO

Manzanillo is a mix of opulent resorts, resorts in-the-making, and primitive areas that offer endless unspoiled beaches and spectacular scenic beauty. Unlike most other resorts, major things to see and do here are usually hidden away in the lush tropical foliage that borders the beach. Ten miles of beaches are lined with inviting restaurants and sparkling international resorts. It was one of them, Las Hadas, star of the film "10" that catapulted this area onto the international resort stage. Couples who like to explore will enjoy this area to the fullest. Barra de Navidad, 15 miles away, also has spectacular resorts.

• HONEYMOON TRAVEL TIPS:
  
  Average year round temperature: 80 degrees F
  
  Distance from the airport: 25 miles.
  
  City code: 333
  
  
  
• HELPFUL HONEYMOON HINTS:
  
  If you really want to explore the area, rent a car for a few days. Follow the seaside highway and dine in some of the area's favorite restaurants, explore downtown around the port, and then go farther to the unspoiled beaches of Barra de Navidad. *Five star resorts here are a bit more formal than others, but ties, socks and cocktail dresses are still not necessary.
  
  
  
• DON'T MISS:
  
  BREAKFAST AT LA POSADA HOTEL, a small rustic place near the turnoff to town. Made to order US style scrambled eggs with all the fixin's.
  
  A swim in exquisitely tranquil PLAYA LA AUDIENCIA where Cortes once met with local Indian chiefs.
  
  A walk along the PUERTO LAS HADAS MARINA PROMENADE.
  
  
  
• ROMANTIC RESTAURANTS:
  
  OASIS: A lovely seaside location in the Club Santiago complex.
  
  L'RECIF: A striking restaurant atop a cliff with a wrap around view of dramatic rock formations and the Bay. You can dip in the mini-sized pool after lunch. After dark, the romance quotient increases even more.
  
  WILLY'S: This unassuming place on Las Brisas Beach is one of the most popular restaurants in town. Always crowded, it has a charming, barefoot air and serves up hearty meals that seem to please everyone. Reservations are necessary. Rustic and fun.
  
  EL VAQUERO CAMPESTRE: Strictly for steak lovers.
  
  CARLOS N' CHARLIE'S COLIMA BAY CAFE: Party-party in the bar. Dine in the quieter area in the back. It's on stilts over the ocean!
  
  
  
• WHERE TO STAY
  
  LAS HADAS: 220 rooms / $155-$350. You've seen it in the movie "10," now experience it in real life. This posh place still offers millionaire's amenities at fair prices. It does look like something out of a fairyland. Moorish architecture makes it even more out of this world. Rooms are linked by flowering gardened paths. Guests travel around in golf carts, to keep the noise levels from disturbing any siesta. The pool area is one of the country's most beautiful, and the variety of restaurants is ultra romantic. Charter boats for deep sea fishing plus 18 hole championship golf course. Address: PO Box 158, Tel: 4-2000 Fax: 4-1370 | USA: (800) 722-6466
  
  SIERRA RADISSON MANZANILLO: 350 rooms / $130-$180. On Playa La Audiencia, one of the area's most tranquil and beautiful moonshaped bays. Striking architecture in a striking setting. Address: Avenida de la Audiencia. Tel: 3-1000 | Fax: 3-2000 | USA: (800) 777-7800
  
  
• BEST BUDGET BET
  
  CLUB SANTIAGO: 297 rooms / $50-$80. This is a condo hotel with exquisite grounds and a lovely restaurant. Rooms are spacious. Some have kitchenettes. The place has a far away look and feel, but it is as close to the main coastal highway as other hotels. Address: Playa Miramar Tel: 3-0413
  
• ROMANTIC RESORTS ABOUT TO OPEN
  
  COSTA CAREYES: Barra de Navidad
  
  GRAND BAY HOTEL: Isla de Navidad. 18 hole championship golf course now open.
  
  TAMARINDO: Barra de Navidad
  

GUADALAJARA

This is a big city that looks and feels like the country. Year round Spring temperatures, ever flowering sprawling gardens and park make it seem more like a giant country club than Mexico's second largest city. This is the home of several famous Mexican phenomena: Mariachis, the leather throated musicians who belt out songs at the drop of a sombrero; Tequila, the heady national drink; and the Mexican Hat Dance, "Jarabe Tapatio," and Charros, talented equiestrians. The whole area has an Old World air of colonial charm and grace.

• HONEYMOON TRAVEL TIPS:
  
  Average year round temperature: 80 degrees F
  
  Distance from the airport: 13 miles.
  
  City code: 36
  
  
• HELPFUL HONEYMOON TIPS:
  
  Take a city tour to get oriented. It makes getting around easy and shows off the city's major sights to their very best advantage.
  
  If you like to play tennis or go horseback riding, this is the place!
  
  
• DON'T MISS
  
  A CARRIAGE RIDE in Parque Azul or around Degollado Theatre. You'll feel the romance and magic of days gone by.
  
  A CHARREADA: These displays of horsemanship are colorful and exciting. Hotel desks can tell you where to find them.